Bite the bullet?

[david bull]

I dug a three-ringer last week that had been whittled down to a point on four sides .It has obvious teeth marks.Was this a common reason to whittle bullets.I've always heard the expession but have never considered that some bullets may be carved expressly for this purpose.DBULL in mid-TENN.

 

[norton4]

n/t

 

[VOL1266X]

A long time relic hunter a dealer told me that most of the "chewed' bullets were chewed by hogs, squirrels, or came from a gravel road. Few have been chewed by humans. You may have a nice carved bullet chewed on by an animal. Look at all the "chewed bullets" in my 13 year lead accumulation posted yesterday. Happy Hunting!!

 

[ksdigger]

A common reason for whittled bullets David was from shear bordem. Either waiting for orders from Command or staying for an extended period of time at a campsite. Sounds like your carved bullet was intended to look just like the soldier had carved it but I would bet the teeth marks are from hogs. With that said though...I personally have found several chewed bullets in one location on a battlefield (records indicated field surgery's were performed in this area) and I had taken them to my Dentist for verification. It was plain to see the back teeth mullar impressions indicating 100% human teeth impressions and not hog or wild animal teeth marks! In my opinion though, the most logical method when performing amputations would be to hand the patient a leather strap and hope to God you had some Whiskey available...if the surgeon didn't already drink it!!!!!

 

[Nemo]

David here is a little something I wrote a few months back. You might find it interesting.

Dave Poche

 

[Relic$Hunter]

Don't Laugh but I was told once that other than pain soldiers also would chew on bullets to create saliva in there mouth when water was rationed?
Marching down long dusty roads would give them a dry mouth.

 

[ksdigger]

What one needs to do is find a Surgeon's diary (they are out there) and read specificially what antidote were prescribed prior to amputations. General's and Officers were required to record Unit activities and Surgeons are no different. I'm sure the diary would describe the procedure in detailsuke:. Yuke!!!